Leo XIV Approves Maronite Archbishop of Damascus
Today, Pope Leo XIV has approved the election of Sharbel Ghattas Maroun as the new Maronite Catholic archbishop of Damascus. A Lebanese-born priest, he has spent much of his ministry in the United States.
Archbishop Maroun, 64, was elected by the Synod of Bishops of the Maronite Church. He succeeds Archbishop Samir Nassar, 76, whose resignation was accepted by the synod.
Since 2020, Maroun has served as protosyncellus, a senior position comparable to vicar general, of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles.
Born January 6, 1962, in Kfarselwan, Lebanon, Maroun briefly worked for Crédit Libanais bank.
Older Brother, a Lebanese Forces Fighter, Helped Maroun During Civil War
In 1975, Lebnen, the father, and the eldest brother Nassif joined the Kataeb (Phalange) party and took up arms to defend their home. The family's house was confiscated and not recovered for 40 years.
In 1981 Lebnen's local group formally joined the …More